McCaw downplays personal milestone

Editor

Although he will lead the All Blacks for the 100th time in a Test, Richie McCaw is not fussing over his achievement.

Although he will lead the All Blacks for the 100th time in a Test, Richie McCaw is not fussing over the significance of his achievement.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, McCaw insisted the team will always come before personal milestones.

“The milestones and all that personal stuff comes well second to the team performing,” said the veteran flanker.

“That’s all I want, and the best way to celebrate that will be if the team go well and we have a good performance and win.

“It is our last crack for the year. Our (recent) performances, while they have been okay, we would like to finish off by really putting a performance together.

“That has been our sole focus, and if we get that right I will be satisfied. We have got to make sure we put it out there from the word go tomorrow.

“If we give them (Wales) space and time on the ball, especially out wide, they are dangerous. It’s the old story that it starts from numbers one to five, which will be a big battle in itself.”

McCaw skippered the All Blacks for the first time against Wales in 2004, a match which they won 26-25.

“I was pretty nervous leading into that one, I tell you,” he added.

“I led a pretty young side that day and it was pretty tight towards the end of the game. The atmosphere of this place when it is like that is unreal.

“I just remember being hugely proud to get the chance to do it and honoured, and relieved that we came away with the win.

“Ten years ago was the first time I got to play here and got to understand what playing in Cardiff is all about.

“The fact you are playing here at the Millennium Stadium in front of 75,000, that’s motivation in itself. I just can’t wait. They are the days you grew up to want to play in.”